Description

This crispy honey garlic tofu recipe offers a flavorful and crunchy plant-based dish perfect for tofu lovers and those seeking a satisfying meatless meal. Firm tofu is pressed, coated in cornstarch, fried until golden, and then coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The tofu is garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for an added touch of texture and freshness. A delicious vegan-friendly option when substituting honey with maple syrup, this dish is a wonderful balance of crispy, sweet, and garlicky flavors that will amaze your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu and Coating

400 grams (14 oz) firm tofu
1/2 cup cornstarch
Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 cup)

Sauce

4 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil

Garnish

2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

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Instructions

Press the Tofu: Drain the firm tofu and press it between paper towels or a tofu press for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture, ensuring it crisps well during frying.
Cut the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into uniform bite-sized cubes for even cooking and coating.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a savory honey garlic sauce.
Coat the Tofu: Evenly coat each tofu cube in cornstarch, shaking off any excess to guarantee a crispy outer layer when fried.
Fry the Tofu: Heat about 1 cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu cubes for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Drain the Tofu: Remove the fried tofu from the skillet and place them onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about a minute to thicken slightly and deepen flavors.
Coat Tofu with Sauce: Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly with the simmered sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the tofu to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for freshness and texture before serving.

Notes

Ensure tofu is pressed well to achieve maximum crispiness when frying.
Maple syrup is a perfect substitute for honey to make this recipe vegan.
Use medium-high heat for frying to prevent soggy tofu and maintain a crunchy exterior.
If preferred, tofu can be baked for a healthier version, but frying delivers the best crisp.
Feel free to adjust the garlic amount to your taste preference.